About High School Diploma/GED

Earn More Money, Get A Better Job, Transition To College!

Take the first step and complete your high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate (GED/HiSET). We make it easier for you to obtain your high school diploma or GED/HiSET while juggling work and family responsibilities. Our program is free to adults (18+) during day and evening hours in Anaheim, Cypress, and Fullerton.

5 Advantages to Obtaining a High School Diploma or GED/HiSET

Higher Wages – High school diploma or GED/HiSET earners make, on average, 50% more per year than non-high school diploma or GED/HiSET earners.

Employment – More and more employers are now requiring a high school diploma or GED/HiSET for employment or advancement on the job.

College – Going to college doesn’t have to be an unattainable dream! At NOCE, you can obtain your high school diploma or GED/HiSET at any time and age and then transition easily to college. Our counselors can help you create a Student Educational Plan to meet your goals at NOCE and beyond.

Meet Lifelong Friends – People of all nationalities and ages attend NOCE’s High School Diploma/GED-HiSET Preparation Program. Come and meet new people and gain lifelong friends.

Self-pride – Earning your high school diploma or GED/HiSET is an honorable choice! It takes desire and hard work, but once accomplished, your high school diploma or GED/HiSET will open the door to your future.

High School Diploma vs. GED/HiSET

Purpose: Both the high school diploma and GED/HiSET are, for the most part, equally accepted for employment and school admissions by state agencies and governments, community colleges, some trade and vocational schools, and some four year institutions. However, the Armed Forces, some four year universities, and certain employers may not accept the GED/HiSET certificate and will require a high school diploma instead. Check with the specific agency and institution to be certain which one is required.

The choice between earning a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate (GED/HiSET) depends on your personal needs. However, here are some important factors to consider in making your decision:

High School Diploma

GED/HiSET

Time to Completion

The amount of time it takes to complete your high school diploma varies and depends greatly on the number of credits you need to complete, how many hours you can attend the high school lab per week, your individual skill levels in reading and math, and your ability to learn new material and stay focused and self-motivated throughout your studies.

The amount of time it takes to prepare for and pass the GED/HiSET exam varies and depends greatly on your previous educational attainment and how many hours you can attend the preparation lab per week to study the five subject areas tested.

Format

A high school diploma is obtained by participating in a series of courses, with the ability to start and finish at any point. This program requires you to regularly attend a high school lab to work on these courses. You work at your own pace through online and textbook studying of required high school subjects, passing tests in each subject, and earning necessary credits toward a diploma.

A GED/HiSET certificate is obtained by passing a series of tests set by the State of California. The free, year-round, open-entry GED/HiSET Preparation Lab helps you prepare for the exams with tutoring and test-taking skills in both English and Spanish.

Cost

The High School Diploma Program is free; textbooks and learning materials are provided for use in the labs.

The cost for the HiSET exam or GED varies over time, but currently is $150. Passing either exam will earn the student a high school equivalency certificate from the State of California.

Location

The High School Diploma Program is available at three NOCE Center locations in Anaheim, Cypress, and Fullerton.

GED/HiSET test preparation is only available at the Wilshire Learning Center located in Fullerton.

Accommodations

You may qualify to receive special accommodations from our Disability Support Services program if you have a verified disability.

Test accommodations are available if you have a documented disability. Accommodations include testing in Braille (audiocassette versions), calculators, private testing rooms, extended time, and additional needs considered on an individual basis.

Questions

If you have further questions, please contact the High School Diploma Program at 714.808.4650 or basicskills@sce.edu

If you have further questions, please contact the Wilshire Learning Center at 714.992.9535.